Natural History Museum throws lawn party
The Natural History Museum near Cashman Field held its fourth annual fundraiser, Sundown in Downtown, in June on the lawn next to the museum.
Admittance was through the museum’s main entrance where guests were greeted by the museum’s board Chairman Matt Engle, dressed as the character Ben Stiller played in the movie “Night at the Museum,” and a capuchin monkey named Mojito.
Guests wandered through the museum taking in all the exhibits, especially the outstanding dinosaur and Egyptian exhibits.
Caricature portraits also attracted guests.
The outdoor soiree featured other “Night at the Museum” characters among the crowd, with supporters dressed as Teddy Roosevelt and the Indian maiden Sacagawea. Costumed fellows also walked about on stilts as did Captain Tall Tale.
The music was by Josev Castana and his Upfront Band.
Entertaining on the stage was Paul Scally, a comedian appearing at the Downtown Grand. Also entertaining were Thunder from Down Under, the “Fantasy” girls and comedian Kevin Burke.
Cool drinks, beer and wine were served, and the event featured kiosks offering specialties of small bites from downtown restaurants such as noodles from Rock ’n’ Noodles, barbecue from Big Ern’s, peanut butter Snickerdoodle cookies and kale salad from Bronze Cafe, Asian cuisine, including shrimp lettuce wraps, from Lillie’s at the Golden Nugget, mozzarella raviolini and crab aranci from The Grotto, wings and slaw from Hometown Kitchen, Cuban sandwiches from Lucy’s Bar &Grill at the Silver Nugget, a chicken taco bowl from The Commissary and spicy shrimp cocktails from Triple George.
The Cupcakery gave out a selection of cupcakes. Popcorn Girl offered samples of flavored popcorn. Coffee Bean &Tea Leaf was busy all night.
Guests enjoying the evening included Stephanie Stallworth, Elizabeth Engle, Jennifer Bradley, George McCabe, Carol and Dave Levins, Mallory Levins and Michael Mangel, Emma Williams, Michele Tell, Stacy Wedding, Josh Bonde, Heather FitzGerald, Michael Calabre, Penny Levin, Mrs. Nevada Jadee Mangel and Natural History Museum Executive Director Marilyn Gillespie.
